Blog

by MCF Director of Public Policy Ann Geddes
The Department of Health recently released preliminary data for unintentional overdose deaths for the period January through September 2018. During this time there were 1,848 unintentional overdose deaths – an eight percent increase over the same period in 2017.
While the number of heroin-related deaths and prescriptio ..

People with mental health disorders are more likely than others to experience an alcohol or substance use disorder. The term “co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder” is used to describe this. Research around co-occurring disorders in young people is limited, but it is estimated that 60 to 75 percent of adolescents who have mental health issues also have subst ..

“Stay encouraged.”
If you talk to MCF Family Peer Support Specialist Sherri Allen by phone or email, you’ll hear these words at the end of the conversation. It’s one way she reminds you that, no matter how hard things feel now, she’s there to support you in staying hopeful.
You’ll hear that same message of hope—in their own words—from every member of MCF ..

Language matters. The language that we use to discuss substance use disorders can perpetuate stigma. And stigma against those with a substance use disorder can impact people’s willingness to seek help – for fear that they will be judged or discriminated against. Below are some examples of language associated with substance use disorders, and preferred terms that we can each ..

Previously we shared the story (/blog/family-peer-support-one-family-s-story) of a twelve-year-old boy with intensive mental health needs and how he and his family were helped through MCF’s Family Peer Support program. This month we are profiling a family that received family peer support assistance from a staff member of MCF’s substance use team.
A mother contacted a ..

MCF’s work supporting families of young people with substance use challenges has been recognized with a national award for innovation in programming.
Presented by FREDLA (the Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association), the award recognized MCF for expanding its work to provide family peer support to parents and caregivers of young people with sub ..

If you are looking for a provider of substance use treatment, the Maryland Treatment Locator will provide you with listings of certified substance use treatment providers that fit your criteria.
Search with as few or as many criteria as you’d like to enter by using the selections in the drop-down menu boxes. For a targeted search, enter the county in which you are se ..

Like other chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, substance use disorders can be successfully managed with proper treatment, yet less than 10% of youth needing substance use treatment receive any treatment services. September, recognized as National Recovery Month, is an opportunity for each of us to raise awareness and understanding of substance use disorders. ..

Communities throughout Maryland will recognize International Overdose Awareness Day (https://www.overdoseday.com/) on August 31 and National Recovery Month (https://www.recoverymonth.gov/) in September.
International Overdose Awareness Day aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families ..

Amid the loosening of laws related to marijuana, including the legalization of marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes in some states, there has been a lot of conversation about how it will impact youth. One fear is that de-criminalization and legalization will convey to youth the message that marijuana use is acceptable, and cause an increase in its use among adolesc ..

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understand the services available in your community and how to access them.